Former Benfica defender Álvaro Magalhães has declared his old club bears the “responsibility” to win Friday’s crucial Lisbon derby against Sporting CP, despite admitting their rivals are in better form.
Magalhães, speaking to Lusa news agency, emphasized that a victory is “more important for Benfica” given Sporting currently holds a higher league position.
“If Sporting loses, they lose three points, but they will still be level with Benfica,” Magalhães stated, downplaying the match’s immediate championship-deciding impact.
He added that while the game is “fundamental,” “no one will die” if they lose, arguing championships are often lost against smaller teams, not direct title contenders.
Magalhães reiterated the importance, stating, “It is very important for Benfica to win the game, it is clear. The responsibility is on Benfica.”
Mourinho will have to study Sporting well and try to do what he knows best
Álvaro Magalhães
Former Benfica player
Analyzing the current state of both Lisbon giants, Magalhães conceded that “Sporting is better” and currently experiencing “fantastic form.”
However, he noted Benfica’s recent hard-fought 2-1 win against Nacional as a “positive sign,” indicating a reaction within the squad.
The former Portugal international attributed this “reaction” to the stability introduced by coach José Mourinho, who has consistently fielded “eight, nine, or 10” players in recent matches.
Magalhães predicted Mourinho’s tactical approach would be “very pragmatic,” focusing on “99.9% defensive balance” and aiming to exploit any ball loss by Sporting.
He anticipates a “very, very tactical” contest between the two traditional rivals.
Magalhães concluded that the team that proves “smarter, more experienced in some situations” will ultimately decide the game.
The derby is scheduled for Friday at 8:15 PM local time (7:15 PM UTC) at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz in Lisbon.
Benfica currently sits in third place in the Liga Betclic, three points behind second-placed Sporting and six points adrift of leaders FC Porto.
A victory would allow Benfica to draw level with Sporting in points, while any other result would keep Sporting ahead and could extend Porto’s lead at the top of the table.
Magalhães played for Benfica from 1980 to 1989 and also represented Académica, Estrela da Amadora, and Leixões during his career.